Women’s Ice Hockey Tops Plymouth St., 3-1

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Junior forward Jessica Driscoll found twine twice to propel the Rivier women's ice hockey team to a 3-1 victory over Plymouth St. on Saturday afternoon in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) showdown at Hanaway Rink.

With the win, the Raiders improved to 9-9-1 (6-3-1 MASCAC), while the Panthers fell to 14-7-1 (9-2-1 MASCAC).

Rivier got out to a strong start, outshooting Plymouth St. 5-0 in the first 3:13 of action. Following the Raiders' offensive surge, both teams traded chances until the deadlock was broken at the 16:55 mark of the opening frame. Senior defender Grace Arsenault delivered a shot from the blue line that was kicked saved out to senior forward Breezy Parent. Parent was denied but the rebound played right onto Driscoll's stick which she jammed in for the games' first tally. Each team recorded one more shot before Rivier headed to the locker room with a 1-0 lead.

The Panthers began to find their stride in the second period, outshooting the Raiders 13-8, but Rivier's defense held firm and kept their 1-0 advantage intact going into the second intermission.

Following a dormant second period, Driscoll potted her second goal of the contest after intercepting a pass deep in the Raiders' offensive zone and snuck the puck in between the post and the goalies' blocker side with just 5:57 remaining. Plymouth St. responded quickly, cutting Rivier's lead back to one goal 1:03 later. With 12 seconds remaining in the contest, senior forward Paige Anger sealed the game, scoring an empty netter from the Raiders' defensive zone.

Senior goalkeeper Rachel Hinkley recorded 32 saves in the win.

The Raiders return home for a MASCAC matinee matchup with the Trailblazers of Mass. Liberal Arts on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Puck drop is scheduled for noon.